Zadar Roman Forum Tours

Near the Church of St. Donatus, in the city of Zadar, Croatia, you’ll find the remnants of an ancient Roman marketplace. Built between the 1st century BC and the 3rd century AD, the forum is one of the largest of its kind east of the Adriatic.

The Basics
The ruins of Zadar’s forum are not enclosed with gates or ticket booths. Walk freely among the remains of temples and colonnades, then head to the nearby Archeological Museum to see a model of the forum as it originally looked, as well a collection of ancient and medieval relics. To learn more about Zadar’s rich history, join a sightseeing tour of the city and visit other ancient sites, such as Petar Zoranic Square and the remains of the Church of Stomorica. 

Things to Know Before You Go

• The Forum is a must-see for first time visitors to Zadar and for history buffs.
• Entrance to Zadar’s Roman Forum is free.
• Climb the bell tower of the Church of St. Donatus for a bird’s eye view of the Forum.

How to Get There
Zadar’s Roman Forum is located between the Church of St. Donatus and the waterfront, in the northern section of Old Town. The area is a car-free zone and can easily be reached by bus, taxi, or bike from most anywhere in the city. Limited parking can be found along the Old Town wall, but it is best to park outside the walls.

When to Get There
The Forum is a public area, open year-round, 24 hours a day. Summer is the most popular time to visit Zadar because the weather is mostly dry and hot. To avoid crowds, visit in May through early June or in September, when the weather is still pleasant enough to enjoy the beaches.

The Church of St. Donatus
The 9th century Byzantine-style Church of St. Donatus sits next to the forum’s ruins. The unique, circular-shaped building is one of Zadar’s few remaining pre-Romanesque structures, and you can tour the interior of the church for a small admission fee. The 360-degree views of Old Town from the top of the bell tower are spectacular.